Think like a Farmer.

There is never one right way to become an entrepreneur, and definitely not just one way to become a successful one. Quartz (QZ.com) posted a great primer on why entrepreneurs should think like the farmer instead of the businessman when creating their start-up. Author Tim Handorf is the Co-Founder and CEO of G2 Crowd, a business software review site, and grew up farming in Iowa.

He breaks down his keys to success in simple easy-to-understand key points that are based more on common-sense & hard work than statistics. A lot of research goes into starting a business, developing a business plan and pursuing a dream. Often it's easy to lose sight of some of the simpler keys to success and maintaining course. Handorf endorses working hard, but remembering to let yourself (and your brain) recover. Finding ways to save time in the every day tasks you do. Having faith in your vision, and being willing to stand up for it. We'd add that if you aren't willing to do so maybe you're following the wrong path. Be aware of how you're spending your money, and see if you can do more with less. Don't forget that as an entrepreneur you're taking a risk. Knowing how far you're willing to push that risk is important.

And sometimes things are out of your control. You do the work, as much as you can, and do it to the best of your ability, but sometimes things happen in the marketplace that you cannot control. You have to adapt, be aware and move forward. 

He also addresses teamwork and partnerships. Even if you're the sole creator of a company along the way you'll have collaborators, employees, hired guns or business partners. It's easy to get burned out, and sharing the load, both work and emotional, can be a boon to your success. Don't be afraid to take on teammates. One Wild Life is a partnership company, and we couldn't have made it this far without both halves of this partnership. It is a popular topic in entrepreneurship circles to suggest avoiding partnerships these days. The reasons are certainly valid. You give up control and reward. You are subject to someone else's personality traits or outside the office life. But we'd counter by saying that a good partnership can also push you to be a better entrepreneur. You double your insights & are accountable to each other. Both your successes and failures are shared. 

Read Tim Handorf's article in full here. It's worth it for any entrepreneur or budding one. When things get big, when they get complicated remember to think like the farmer.

This guy knows what it takes to be an entrepreneur.